Tyre Blowout and then damaged Fridge (Sterling Eccles)

[James_374356444]

Hi All,

On the way back from two weeks in Cornwall the nearside tyre on the caravan blew out, taking a sizable chunk of the floor and internal partions, thankfully we were fine, changed the wheel on the side of the road then called in at Exeter services, where I found a Wickes DIY store right next to the services( at last some good luck!!!) a roll of gaffa tape later, to seal the whole and internal wheel arch(just in case it rained on the trip back), we made our way back with no further incidents.

I started to access the damage, removed cooker and fridge, cooker is OK but fridge has had the cooling pipes damaged and the gas burner assembly/flue is also damaged. The next issue is whilst trying to straighten them today I've fractured the pipe losing all the refrigerant (very smelly!! hope its not poisonous)!!

My big question is, are there any companies that can repair them, ie the pipe and regas or am I looking at a replacement eeks? £405.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

 

[Robtel]

Will your insurance not pay for replacement and repair?

 

[James_374356444]

Will your insurance not pay for replacement and repair?

The caravan is not insured, something I've been meaning to get round to and just haven't managed too yet, stupid me!!

 

[Damian]

If the fridge is a relatively new 7 or 8 series then a new cooling unit can be fitted.

The burner and flue could also be replaced.

The cooling unit is around the

 

[metz]

Hi James, If you breathed in the fumes from the fridge coolants and your breathing is affected please see your doctor as one of the chemicals is ammonia and can damage the respritory system, better safe than sorry, as for replacing the cooling unit on your fridge, depends on the make and model, if it's a Thetford cooling units are not available, Domeic/Electrolux cooling units are available for some models.Usually a new one fitted is about half the cost of a new fridge.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello James,

I am sorry to read of the incident with the tyre. It is unfortunate that you did not have the caravan insured but that is your choice, and of course you must now stand the cost of repairs.

You have of course followed the gas regulations and used a competent fitter to remove both the cooker and the fridge for assessment purposes and all the pipes have been correctly capped whilst the appliances have been removed etc.

You can now rest at ease to know that any problems with the gas systems are covered by the fitters indemnity insurance.